Alexander
Leeper (1848-1934) was appointed Principal of Trinity College, the first
college affiliated with the University, in 1876.
Women were admitted to College lectures in 1883. In 1886, separate
accommodation was provided for them. Relations between the Council of
what became Janet Clarke Hall and that of Trinity were initially strained,
and Leeper's relations with Trinity students were at times no better.
During one controversy in 1890 he was burned in effigy and two-thirds
of the student body left the College.
Leeper was instrumental in the establishment of Melbourne Church of
England Girls Grammar School and a member of its Council as well as
that of Melbourne Grammar.
He strenuously opposed the reappointment of Marshall-Hall as Ormond
Professor of Music, on the grounds of immorality, and his devotion to
the British Empire inspired both his opposition to Irish Home Rule and
his campaign in the University Council for the dismissal of German members
of staff in 1915.
He vigorously supported many causes, such as military conscription
and the ordination of women. Warden of Trinity for more than 40 years,
Leeper served almost 30 on the University Council. In retirement, he
worked for the Public Library, Museum and National Gallery. The great
library he had collected at Trinity carries his name.
Leeper's two sons from his first marriage, Alexander Wigram Allen Leeper
(1887-1935) and Reginald Wildig Allen Leeper (1888-1968), had distinguished
diplomatic careers in Australia and Britain.
From his second marriage, his son Geoffrey Winthrop Leeper (1903-1986)
worked in the University's Department of Agriculture from 1934 and was
Professor of Agricultural Chemistry from 1962 to 1969. He was President
of the Royal Society of Victoria 1959-60 and an Honorary Life Fellow
of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.
Valentine Alexa Leeper (1900-2001) was active in classical scholarship
and public affairs. She taught History at Saint Margaret's School, Berwick,
served as a member of the Council of the League of Nations Union from
1928 to 1945 and took a lifelong interest in Trinity College.
Beatrice Mary (Molly) Leeper (1901-1992) painted and sang as well as
working with the Victoria League, the English Speaking Union and, with
her sister, with the Classical Association, a lifelong interest of their
father's.
Pictured: from left, Molly Leeper, Valentine Leeper and Geoffrey Winthrop
Leeper c.1980.
